On January 1, 2017, I made a vow that 2017 was going to be my year. I had a lot of big things planned and I was ready to take on whatever life through at me. Well life took my vow and challenged me to the best of its ability. I’m not going to lie, I’ve had many struggles but I also gained a lot of really great things and with 2017 only being alive for a month and a half, I wanted to reflect and share my 2017.

1. Breakups suck, but ice cream doesn't.

Being a 20-something year old, I’ve had my share of heart breaks and shining moments of being the heart breaker. For the record, both sides suck completely and it’s never easy. It’s funny now looking back on all the relationships, either the ones I took for granted or those that will always have a place in my heart. I started 2017 with a great guy. He was sweet, caring and kissed the ground I walked on. What more could I want, right? Well despite him being perfect on paper, we had our own issues and ultimately, I ended up breaking his heart. I’m not proud of it but don’t worry, karma Is truly a witch with a capital B and I got what I deserved. I fell completely in love with a military man who was overseas. We had a wedding date picked out and referred to each other as “wifey” and “hubby”. How disgustingly cute right? Well, it ended and it hurt. I thought in that moment that I would never be okay but I am. Plus, I now have two new guys in my life I introduce as Ben & Jerry and I really think we are going to make it last. They’re both super sweet and don’t mind sharing!

2. Wanting a killer body is not worth endangering your life.

I’m sure just by reading that, you know what I’m about to say. I made a goal to be in the best shape of my life and physically, I was. I was the smallest I had ever been, I was finally seeing some muscle and for the first time, I HAD ABS! Well looking hot is all well and good until you forget to eat and don’t take care of that hot body. So, long story short, I was basically starving myself (NOT ON PURPOSE) but, I was and my body let me know really fast that it wasn’t chill and put me in the hospital for 3 days and I was forbidden to even enter the gym for a month. Let me just say, for a crazy workout freak like me, it was pretty close to torture and I thought I was going to lose my mind. Well fast forward a month and I actually did not lose my mind, I gained all my energy back, still had a great body and didn’t question drinking a milkshake or eating a dozen cookies. Well, maybe a dozen is excessive, maybe 10. It’s all about portion control, right? Good thing I’m still learning.

3. It's okay to not have a plan after graduation.

If you know me personally, you know I am the girl who loves to always have a plan. For years, I thought I knew what I was going to do after graduation. First, I was going to move to Nashville. Second, I was going to land an amazing job. Then I would meet my future husband and have kids and by 30 I would have everything I ever wanted in life. HAHA! Let me just say, that’s most definitely not how it always works and most people are going to be in the same situation as myself. Currently, I have no idea if I want to go to grad school or have a career, I have no money to actually move out, no boyfriend and cannot even imagine having kids. This dream plan may work for some people and for people like me, it may just be a work in progress. I’ve learned though, life is more fun when you aren’t planning every little detail. Just let things be, go with the flow, and enjoy being able to experience all these wild and crazy adventures that life throws at you while you’re still young and have the means too. As much as I love to plan and make lists, I have learned that white out is my best friend and to always write stuff down in pencil.

4. Being single is actually amazing.

For the record, I am not hating on people in relationships! I am truthfully so happy for my friends who have found their person and life partner. I however, have not and I am truthfully not too worried about it. It took me a while to enjoy the single life but now that I’ve made it through the first couple months, I can’t imagine being with someone in the near future. There are so many perks! For example, you get to pick what movies you watch, you never have to share the bed, you can flirt with whoever you want, and most importantly, you are making all the decisions. This is your life and if you want to be in a relationship than do it, but if you’ve had too many heartbreaks like myself and just want to date yourself, I am here to advocate for the single life and I promise you it’s pretty damn great and if you don’t trust me, I know our favorite Queen B, is definitely all for it.

5. 2018 is going to kick butt.

Even though I love the holidays, NYE is probably my favorite. It’s a time to party, reflect and plan for the year ahead. It’s like a clean slate you get every 365 days. In 2018, I want to get my own place, find a job, continue coaching cheerleading and read all the books I bought in 2017 that I said I was going to read. Whatever your intentions for 2018 are, I hope they exceed your expectations and you live every moment like it’s your last. I know I definitely learned a lot about myself this past year and I am so ready to put the updated me on display in 2018.